Turn Last Year’s Obstacles into this year’s Optimism

As the end of the year approaches, many of us find ourselves running on an empty optimism tank. Luckily, this means the new year is right around the corner with an entire year’s worth of attitude boost. And of course what better way to begin a clean slate than with the answer to all of last year’s problems? A resolution so to speak. While the purpose is to iron out the crinkles of last year, sometimes creating a resolution only adds to the list of problems. Here’s what you need to know in order to set out your new year’s resolution and how to stick to your goals.

First comes the golden rule of resolutions: Be realistic. Being overly optimistic can result in setting goals that might be out of your reach. Setting the goal of getting a 4.0 GPA when you’re at a 1.3 just isn’t reasonable. While it’s great to shoot for the stars, don’t set yourself up for failure.

Secondly: don’t feel like you need to solve every problem right away. Last year could have been an eventful one for you where life presented you with obstacle after obstacle. If we all sat down and made a list of all the things that went wrong in the year, it would be simply overwhelming. It’s perfectly acceptable to start off with a few goals in mind at the beginning, and add to your list when the others have been checked off.

Thirdly: follow your realistic goals with a plan of action. While ordering pizza for two to be eaten by one may be the resolution to a stressful week, it’s not the resolution to living a healthier lifestyle. Instead, make a realistic dietary plan that you know is appropriate for you that you won’t be tempted to cheat every chance you get.

Fourthly: treat yo self. Good behavior deserves to be rewarded. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a little pat on the back once in awhile when you have achieved your goals. Having one cheat night, taking one night off of studying to do something fun, or even putting on some music to accompany a nice hot bath is what this could look like. Don’t forget to encourage yourself and acknowledge how far you have come.

Above all, remember the goal is to manage your issues, not create more. Be honest with yourself, decide what it most important to you, stick to your word, and don’t forget to feel some pride while doing it. Let’s kick 2015’s problems to the curb and being 2016 with optimistic engines full.

Before we tell you the secrets on becoming an Angel, we would like to take a moment to introduce the newest member of our team. Bailey. She will help us fill a major void and provide Ansel and Opie with awesome copy for our editorials and a weekly column on Wednesdays. Bailey grew up in the quaint town of Eldridge, Iowa with a large family. A huge chunk of her heart is reserved by the elderly-most likely from working at a nursing home throughout high school. Fashion was always something she wanted to make a career out of, but never imagined it happening until her arrival at Iowa State. Like everyone else, it was a dream to temporarily leave the nest and study abroad- hint hint London College of Fashion. Her favorite quote is by Christian D. Larson reading, “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you greater than any obstacle.”

We are ecstatic to have her join the team and please enjoy her first article. Welcome Bailey!

Victoria’s Most Exclusive Secret: How to Become A Victoria’s Secret Angel

It’s that time of year again- the angels’ time to spread their wings and slay that lingerie. Indulged in their late night chocolate cravings via the couch, women across the country will tune in as these ladies strut their sexy stuff. As the highly anticipated cast of angels is released every year, have you ever wondered: how to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel? (Confidence, power, a killer bod, and a little edge never hurt anyone), but what exactly does it take? Step one: know the requirements. Accept the fact that if you are under 5’8”, you either need to consult an expert surgeon or shoot for a different dream. Step two: build a selection of photos of yourself. If a credible modeling agency is going to take you on, odds are they will want to know what you look like (duh)! Step three: put yourself out there- yes Google can sometimes be your friend. If you want to be noticed as a serious contender and well-known model, take the initiative to register yourself on some modeling websites. Step four: killer bod. Enough said.

Don’t wait until the night before auditions to host your own Krispy Kreme intervention. Step five: research when auditions are. Previously, auditions have been held in Chicago, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Plan ahead of time to arrange when you want to audition and how you will get yourself there. Step six: learn from others. Surprise! The internet can be somewhat helpful. Watch some YouTube videos of others who have auditioned and listen to advice they have. Step seven: work it girl! Show some personality and give it all you’ve got! Click here to watch interviews from this year’s ten fresh faces of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Oxblood Fashion Show, the video

Last October Ansel and Opie styled and photographed the Oxblood Fashion Show in Des Moines. It was a great night and a terrific event full of entertainment. If you haven’t seen the images of all the looks, check them out here. Then watch the awesome video that was put together by Luminary Creative.

Fresh Dressed: A chronicle of fashion in Hip Hop.

Fresh Dressed is a fascinating chronicle of hip-hop, urban fashion, and the hustle that brought oversized pants and graffiti-drenched jackets from Orchard Street to high fashion’s catwalks and Middle America shopping malls. Director Sacha Jenkins’ music-drenched history draws from a rich mix of archival materials and in-depth interviews with rappers, designers, and other industry insiders.